Catholicism As Cultural History: The Enduring Legacy of John O’Malley, S.J.

John O’Malley, S.J. (1927–2022) was an extraordinarily talented and devoted scholar, writer, teacher, and Jesuit priest. The research of his early career helped recast our understanding of the Catholic response to the Reformation and the development of the Society of Jesus. The writings of the last 20 years of his long and prolific life—books and essays on church councils and Western culture—brought him new audiences beyond the academy.

The golden thread running through all of his work was the centrality of cultural history. This conference will highlight that legacy while expanding on the ways that O’Malley’s style can help us understand a more global and diverse Catholicism of the future.

Anchored by a keynote address by Carlos Eire of Yale University, the conference will feature panels on “Catholicism as Cultural History” and “Languages of Dialogue and Inclusion,” and will include contributions from scholars Pamela Jones, Mary Dunn, Thomas Worcester, S.J., Mary Ann Hinsdale, Catherine Chaput, and James McCartin.

Fordham’s Brenna Moore will offer concluding remarks, to be followed by a wine-and-cheese reception.

This event is organized by the Center on Religion and Culture and is also made possible through the support of the Spellman Jesuit Community of Fordham, the Fordham Division on Mission and Ministry, and the Fordham History Department.